I don't know you personally, I've only read some of your posts, but your passion and care shine through every word you've written.
I grew up in the countryside too, and when I was 20 I moved to the city. Now I've come back, and little by little I'm rediscovering my connection with nature. Your lifestyle really inspires me, especially because, as you mentioned in one of your comments, many supermarket products are trash, and things might get even worse in the future.
Perhaps one day we'll all have to "return to the fields" if the current economical system proves unsustainable, but it's still wonderful to be able to do it now, to create a little universe of our own, and so on. It brings a lot in terms of health, and then, in a world that moves so fast, the patience of nature is a beautiful lesson to learn.
About your final question, it happened in my life, but when I was young. My grandfather was still alive, and in Sardinia everyone in old age owns some animals and gardens. So, my grandfather exchanged his products with neighbors, getting also sweets, bread, marmalade or meat in return.
It was also common to give some of your products to neighbors just for the simple pleasure of letting them taste them. "I made the wine, tell me what you think". "I made the sweets, try them", etc. It was something very normal. Now those people are gone, and the neighborhood has changed a lot. We barely talk to each other.
I keep those memories hoping that something will change in the future, and trying to live everyday being the change that I would like to see in the world.
Best regards from Sardinia, Italy! ✌️
I like to be as self-reliant as I can but that's difficult in this modern world and takes effort. Still, I work towards it as I know that one day those skills will make a big difference to me and those around me; people who are not properly prepared are in for a big shock. It's good to hear that you're moving the same way.
As for what you said about your grandfather's era, that's how it was all over the place and it was a better time to live I think; humans have lost their way thanks to greed and consumerism.
Anyway, thanks for your comments, I appreciate it.